glossary of terms used by frithjof schuon - Sophia Perennis

Transcendence / Immanence (objective / subjective): Transcendence is objective
inasmuch as it concerns the Divine Order in itself, immanence is subjective inasmuch as
it refers to the Divine Presence in us; nonetheless there is also a subjective transcendence,
that which within us separates the divine Self from the human “I,” and an objective
immanence, namely the divine Presence in the world surrounding us. To be really
conscious of “God-as-Object” is also to be conscious of His immanence, and to be
conscious of “God-as-Subject,” is also to be conscious of His transcendence. [PM,
Delineations of Original Sin]
In Immanence as well as in Transcendence, it is necessary to distinguish two aspects, one
objective and one subjective: objective Transcendence is that which is indicated by the
world itself; but it may be termed “subjective” when its situation at the core of our
personality is considered, in which case it indicates the Transcendence of the Self which,
although subjective by definition, is nonetheless transcendent in relation to the “I.” As for
Immanence, it is termed “subjective” when it indicates the Self which is situated within
us, as well as the continuity which exists in principle between the “I” and the Self, or
more precisely, between the latter and the former; but Immanence may be termed
“objective” when, in the beings and things surrounding us, we discern Immanence as the
existentiating and qualifying Substance. [IFA, Transcendence and Immanence in the
Spiritual Economy of Islam]
Transcendence / Immanence (Yin-Yang): When we speak of transcendence, we
understand in general objective transcendence, that of the Principle, which is above us as
it is above the world; and when we speak of immanence, we understand generally
speaking subjective immanence, that of the Self, which is within us. It is important to
mention that there is also a subjective transcendence, that of the Self within us inasmuch
as it transcends the ego; and likewise there is also an objective immanence, that of the
Principle in so far as it is immanent in the world, and not in so far as it excludes it and
annihilates it by its transcendence.
One finds here an application of the Taoist Yin-Yang: transcendence necessarily
comprises immanence, and immanence just as necessarily comprises transcendence. For
the Transcendent, by virtue of its infinity, projects existence and thereby necessitates
immanence; and the Immanent, by virtue of its absoluteness, necessarily remains
transcendent in relation to existence. [EPW, The Way of Oneness]
Transcendent Unity of Religions: If the expression “transcendent unity” is used, it
means that the unity of the religious forms must be realized in a purely inward and
spiritual way and without prejudice to any particular form. [TUR, Preface]
Transgression: Transgression is essentially non-conformity of action. [EH,
Transgression and Purification]
Trial: A trial is not necessarily a chastisement, it can also be a grace, and the one does
not preclude the other. At all events: a trial in itself not only tests what we are, but also
purifies us of what we are not. [SME, Trials and Happiness]
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